run a mile

run a mile

To avoid something in any way possible. He says he's a great comedian, but I bet he'd run a mile if you tried to get him on stage.
See also: mile, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

run a mile

mainly BRITISH, INFORMAL
If someone runs a mile, they try very hard to get away from a person, thing or situation. Most men run a mile when they see a girl cry. These days most of us run a mile at the mention of plastic. He's friendly enough but he'd run a mile if I asked him out.
See also: mile, run
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

run a mile

used to show that someone is frightened by or very unwilling to do something. informal
1999 Chris Dolan Ascension Day She'll run a mile if you contact her direct. I'll do my go-between bit, for you and her, if you do the same for me.
See also: mile, run
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

run a ˈmile (from somebody/something)

(informal) show that you are very frightened of somebody/something: She likes him but she’d run a mile if he proposed to her.
See also: mile, run
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • run over to
  • run over to (someone or something)
  • have (one) on the run
  • have someone on the run
  • by a mile
  • run about
  • got to run
  • (I've) got to run
  • run around
  • have to run along